#inspireinclusion
special
feature
On Thursday March 7th 2024, The Southern Argus newspaper published a special feature to celebrate International Women’s Day, held on Friday March 8th.
Complementing a key story in the newspaper (Freda steps up for First Nations Voice), were multiple articles highlighting local women in business.
Read on to learn about some of the regions ambitious female business owners and their staff.
Art Glass Design
Tell us a little about your business?
I run a contemporary glass studio with my partner Vaughan Taylor. We established the business over 40 years ago and initially concentrated on stained glass windows for homes and churches. We have now evolved into using less restrained techniques that give us the freedom to create bespoke works, including hand painted splashbacks, sculptures and architectural glass features. My role is to design the work and carry out any artwork, such as painting and etching. Our studio is currently located at Factory 9, Port Elliot.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
I enjoy liaising with the client to produce a unique glass artwork that will enhance their space and enrich their lives. I am privileged to put my work in some fabulous houses and meet their wonderful owners.
What is one of your career highlights so far?
My career highlight was being awarded an Overseas Fellowship to study contemporary glass techniques in Spain, the UK and Germany. Seeing what is being done overseas on a huge scale was very inspiring.
What is one of your personal highlights?
Moving to the South Coast 10 years ago has been a highlight. Living at Goolwa and working at Port Elliot is a great lifestyle. I am inspired by nature and the constant changing colour and translucency of the ocean and river.
Can you suggest some practical ways local women in business can support each other?
I think that networking is a valuable tool.
Most of our lives overlap in some way and if we can support each other by passing on contacts and information to promote each other that will be beneficial.
What has been the best advice you’ve been given as a business leader so far?
You are only as good as your last job.
Maintain a high standard and always aim to do your best.
Harris Real Estate
Tell us a little about your business?
I am a property consultant at Harris Real Estate, providing outstanding client service to vendors and buyers during the process of selling or purchasing their home.
I aspire to provide the ultimate real estate experience for today’s modern consumer.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
Helping my clients achieve incredible results.
It doesn’t get much better than calling a client with wonderful news!
I love that at Harris we’re all about continuous improvement, pushing each other to excel.
We want to surpass – not simply meet – service standards, and the results speak for themselves.
It’s why South Australia’s best agents make Harris their home.
What has been the best advice you’ve been given as a business leader so far?
One piece of advice that has stuck with me is this: while we may not always control the market, we can always control our skillset, so never stop learning.
And remembering that real estate is about people before property, because it is.
Connolly Wilson
Tell us a little about your business...
We provide conveyancing services for transactions across South Australia from our Strathalbyn and Murray Bridge offices. We are both registered conveyancers with close to 30 years experience between us, along with our background experiences in journalism, marketing and legal services. We are proud of the wonderful rapport we have with our clients, colleagues and industry professionals, and we are looking forward to continuing to deliver exceptional service as our business grows.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
Property transactions are often a stressful time for our clients. Through our role, we’re able to guide people through complex and emotional journeys to complete their settlement. Women are often able to bring a nurturing and caring perspective, and we know this means that our clients feel better supported, and less overwhelmed with the legal process.
What is one of your career highlights so far?
Since January 2022 we have partnered with Catherine House who provide vital assistance to women experiencing homelessness. We are beyond proud of our contribution by way of a donation from each and every settlement which goes towards supporting women in need. This cause is close to our hearts as a women-led organisation. We’ve seen many of our own clients in recent years experience homelessness for varying reasons. Any person’s circumstances can change in a moment, and we’re proud to play a role in making a positive impact.
Harris Real Estate
Tell us a little about your business.
I am a true local real estate sales agent with 30 years industry experience. After seeking a fresh change, I recently joined Harris Real Estate, an award-winning, progressive agency who has a local focus and strong values – work as a team, think like a customer, grow as a leader. Harris has a culture balancing support, flexibility, and career satisfaction, while their values and constant progression is rewarding and exciting.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
I absolutely love meeting people, hearing their stories and perhaps even helping them with their real estate journey. Born and bred here I have a love of Strathalbyn and the district, and being part of our community. Helping people not only with their real estate needs but also giving back to various clubs, groups and individuals within our township is very rewarding.
Which principles best reflect your business culture?
Priding ourselves on creating a culture of trust and integrity. Striving to create an environment of collaboration and teamwork where everyone can contribute, grow and succeed in a positive workplace.
Can you suggest some practical ways local women in business can support each other?
Support can be provided through women-supporting-women networks, collaborative ventures, promotional efforts, acknowledgement of achievement, a commitment to paying their support forward or a simple catch up for coffee, lunch or a chat.
What opportunities for change do you think the 2024 International Women’s Day theme #inspireinclusion could offer?
‘Inspire inclusion’ is a powerful theme for International Women’s Day, as it highlights the significance and emphasizes the importance of creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world for all women. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.
What has been the best advice you’ve been given as a business leader so far?
An old school teacher once told me: ‘don’t just go with the flow, but make things happen’. In other words don’t simply follow the crowd.
This has remained in my memory, influencing both my professional and personal life.